Young Republicans and Young Democrats in Hampton Roads are coming together to raise money for one of my favorite charities, Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia. Joining them will be U.S. Senator Mark Warner and, no doubt, other elected officials from the area.(Click on flier to enlarge.) The event will be held next Sunday, December 11, beginning … Continue reading From the mouths of babes….
For the second straight year, Virginia was ranked #2 in the nation in Forbes' best state for business competition. This comes after a 4 year run in first place. From the article: Virginia has been a major beneficiary of the federal government’s largesse in terms of military spending and infrastructure development in northern Virginia. Those … Continue reading We’re #2 – again
Gov. Bob McDonnell announced yesterday a series of reforms to the way Virginia does business, with an eye towards saving some money. The proposal are a part of the work of the Governor's Commission on Government Reform and Restructuring, whose most recent report to the governor (pdf) was issued November 21. A couple of the … Continue reading Governor’s government reforms
The Daily Yonder, a great place for facts and information, had an article recently about the increased dependence on Social Security payments by those in rural areas of the country. The article argues that a higher percentage of residents receive benefits, and that the average payment is also higher than the national averages or the … Continue reading Social Security especially important in rural areas
Gotta love it when the argument against an elected school board boils down to "we can't pick a decent council" so let them pick the school board for us. Seriously - there are many arguments against an elected school board, chief among them the lack of taxing authority. But I'm insulted by this: In Norfolk, … Continue reading No elected school board?
The first game in NCAA history to pit two teams from the same city against each other occurred in Norfolk Saturday. Norfolk State University and Old Dominion University met at Foreman Field on the campus of ODU. The game was sold out, with 19,818 fans of both teams there to cheer them on. The rest … Continue reading Way to go ODU!
My latest op-ed appeared in Wednesday's Virginian-Pilot. Like so many things these days, no one seems to be taking the long-term view of what needs to be done to solve the problems in the school system. I was flabbergasted to read that the chair of the board is seeking short-term fixes when anyone who has … Continue reading On Norfolk’s superintendent mess
One of the things I love the most about this area are the various museums and foundations that have special events and speakers. Often they sponsor well know authors in for lectures and book signings. There are numerous variations in our area giving us the opportunity to learn about military, science, history , animals and … Continue reading A Thanksgiving Thought : Thankful for Museums
Virginia Senate Republicans are considering revisiting redistricting come January. In a story by Steve Vaughan* in The Virginia Gazette, Senator Tommy Norment expresses the desire to change the lines drawn by the legislature and approved by the U.S. Department of Justice. In particular, Norment wants Williamsburg back in his district. As if there's not enough … Continue reading Redistricting do-over? Senate Dems to sue
Localities in our area are trying to make interaction with city government easier for citizens. Williamsburg this week released an app where citizens can request city services through their smart phone. Trash can is missing? Just request a new one using the app. No more long waits on the phone. With the capabilities of technology … Continue reading When technology is used to disenfranchise some citizens
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 